Adrian Newey showed up at his first race in Monaco wearing Aston Martin’s all-green uniform, just two and a half months into his new role as Managing Technical Partner. This position gives him the authority to dip his toes into all technical aspects of the team as they set their sights on dominating the Formula 1 world in the coming years.
Silverstone is where Newey will rub shoulders with other big names from F1’s technical elite, including former Mercedes power unit chief Andy Cowell, who leads the entire team, and former Ferrari designer Enrico Cardile, who is scheduled to join as chief technical officer in the summer. Aston’s technical leadership will be based in a cutting-edge factory near the Silverstone Circuit, equipped with a new wind tunnel to aid in-season car upgrades.
When asked by F1 media at the Monaco Grand Prix, Newey shared his thoughts on the team put together by ambitious owner Lawrence Stroll and what they could achieve under the new regulations. He didn’t hold back when discussing Aston’s current weaknesses, stemming from the transition from Racing Point to the larger Aston Martin team. Newey highlighted the need for better organization and collaboration among the team’s talented individuals to maximize performance.
While Aston Martin boasts top-notch facilities, Newey identified a key weakness in their driver-in-the-loop simulator, emphasizing the need for improvement in that area. He acknowledged that addressing this issue would be a lengthy process but stressed the importance of making the best of the situation in the meantime.
Looking ahead to the 2026 regulations, Newey initially felt restricted by the rules but later discovered room for innovation that could give Aston Martin an edge over their rivals. Despite joining the team relatively late in the game, Newey has been working tirelessly on the 2026 car layout, focusing on the fundamental aspects that cannot be altered during the season.
Although Newey’s primary focus is on the future, he has been actively contributing to Aston Martin’s development in 2025, offering valuable insights and guidance to the team. CEO Andy Cowell praised Newey’s involvement in understanding the team’s strengths and weaknesses, providing a fresh perspective that will help them improve and grow stronger.
As someone who played a pivotal role in championship successes at Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, Newey is fully committed to his role at Aston Martin, dedicating his time and expertise to designing a competitive racing car. Despite his intense focus on the task at hand, Newey’s passion for engineering shines through, driving him to push the boundaries of innovation and performance.
In conclusion, Adrian Newey’s arrival at Aston Martin signals a new chapter for the team, with a renewed focus on technical excellence and competitive edge in the world of Formula 1. With his wealth of experience and unwavering dedication, Newey is poised to lead Aston Martin to greater heights in the years to come.
